SRINAGAR: The State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT) Jammu & Kashmir is celebrating the remarkable success of its Toycathon 2023 initiative, which has resulted in the registration of 115 toy designs with the Government of India. This achievement is a testament to the creative potential of young minds in Jammu & Kashmir and is expected to pave the way for a new era of innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.
The Toycathon 2023 was a collaborative effort between SCERT J&K, the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM), and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The initiative aimed to empower students to create innovative toy designs and protect their intellectual property rights under Design Rights.
As part of the program, SCERT J&K organized two-day design registry workshops for the finalists, where they learned how to file applications for design registrations. A total of 51 applications were filed by students from Jammu Division, while 64 applications were filed by students from Kashmir Division, resulting in a total of 115 applications being registered.
To recognize their achievements, 31 students from Jammu Division were awarded Certificates of Registration of Design by the Patent Office, Government of India. The students were felicitated during a ceremony at the JKSCERT Divisional Office in Jammu, which was attended by dignitaries including Prof. (Dr.) Parikshat Singh Manhas, Director SCERT J&K, Sh. Ashok Kumar Sharma, JKAS, Director School Education Jammu, and Shri N Ramchander, Joint Controller of Patents and Design.
The Toycathon initiative has not only encouraged creativity among students but has also contributed to the promotion of the “Make in India” vision. SCERT J&K plans to continue this initiative in the future, with Toycathon 2024 already launched under the theme “Promotion of Innovative Ideas and Revival of Local Culture & Heritage”. Registration for Toycathon 2024 is now open for students from classes 6th to 12th.
The success of Toycathon 2023 is a testament to the potential of young minds in Jammu & Kashmir and is expected to inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs in the state.

KR Desk